Life Science Sector Skill Development Council

Life Sciences Sector Skill Council has carried out a Skill Gap Study in 2014 with the help of KPMG. The key take away from that Skill Gap Report is as below:

The industry is expected to employ 2.15 million people by 2024

The sector is expected to see a new job creation of 1.31 million between 2015 to 2024, with the highest gap in the manufacturing segment

For junior and entry level positions, attributes such as technical proficiency in labs, manufacturing instruments, subject knowledge (basic and superior), high learning aptitude and thinking and questioning ability are the key skills needed

The Research functions are seen to possess adequate Organic and Analytical Chemistry-related skills, but face concerns in biology-related skills which need to be addressed

The exposure of handling high end equipment and new technology is still a gap for research function job roles at entry level

Need is felt for skill and capability building in Quality, IP and Regulatory aspects at all levels

For senior and middle level employees, industry looks for attributes such as superior technical competence, time management, research ability, communication and interpersonal skills and adequate industry experience. Inadequate industry experience, lack of appropriate communication and interpersonal skills, superior technical competence and research ability are key skill gaps felt for these levels